HQ , SANDTON
In major cities globally there is a shortfall of affordable accommodation within or near to CBDs In many cities this has been largely mitigated through the introduction of efficient , affordable , safe public transport from surrounding residential suburbs into the heart of the CBD . Johannesburg and Sandton in particular is unfortunately one of those cities that until recently has not benefitted from such foresight in its city planning .
Remedying this has been the design philosophy applied to HQ Sandton , which is located within walking distance of the Sandton CBD along Katherine Street . Developed by Weinprop and designed by MWC Architects , the apartments have been designed with young executives or small families in mind and whilst slightly smaller than some of the other apartments currently being marketed within Sandton , are priced at extremely attractive rates .
To keep the costs down whilst still providing young executives with an apartment lifestyle of which they can be proud , the architecture has been kept simple both in terms of the buildings overall form and the façade treatment . The building is arranged in a ‘ U ’ shape around a park like courtyard space with direct connectivity onto the neighbouring Mushroom Farm Park , giving the residents direct access into the park and as such extending their living space beyond the boundaries of the development in the same manner as can be found in other , developed urban centres around the globe . The concept of a park in a park
has been carried through onto the rooftop terrace , providing residents and visitors alike with a green refuge above the hustle and bustle of the city below . Together with the rooftop park is Sandton ’ s largest rooftop venue which sports an interior architectural theme designed Sketch Studio .
In order to best take advantage of the site ’ s direct park access , the approach and entrance into the building has been designed around the aspect of the park relative to the site . As such upon entering the building , a visitors focus is immediately drawn through the entrance lobby , across the park courtyard and into the park beyond . It is intended that through the introduction of these frames of visual threshold , a sense of spaciousness and depth will be created giving the viewer a sampling of the spaces to be explored beyond .
Water has been introduced in the form of pools along the same visual line , both within the courtyard and on the rooftop , intrinsically linking the two spaces , whilst still allowing each to maintain its own character . The philosophy applied to the design of these living spaces is aligned with international trends regarding apartment living . The compact living units are seen as places of rest and respite from a busy , public , communal lifestyle , breaking from the South African tradition of insular living by providing ample space for community gathering and socialising outside of the living space .
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